Bob Leggett - Music Connection

The Players: Janeen Leah, guitar and vocals; Michael Burke, lead guitar; Aaron Gutierrez, drums; Vivi Rama, bass; Keven Brennan, saxophone.

Material: Janeen Leah’s music has the feel of classic rock with a 60’s flair that impacts at an intersection where Janis Joplin meets Grace Slick, with a touch of Melissa Etheridge. This young singer/ songwriter is multi-dimensional and her material defies identification, as she moves deftly from rock to smooth jazz. Slightly reminiscent of Pauline Wilson of Seawind fame, Leah’s songs ”Melt Into You” and “Erased” are radio-ready and probably best suited for light-rock stations like The Wave (94.7 FM).

Musicianship: Leah’s backing band exhibits excellent chemistry, especially when she plays with lead guitarist Michael Burke. Burke’s sound is heavily influenced by 60’s rock and is a perfect fit for Leah’s subdued playing style. Substitute bassist Rama is more than up to the challenge, and he and drummer Gutierrez lay down a solid foundation that feels like they have been playing together for a long time. Brennan’s sax adds an extra di-mension to the music, but was especially effective on “Erased.”

Performance: Trying to work within the sound restrictions of the tiny Kibitz venue, Leah revealed herself as a constrained rocker who was capable of belting out when she needed to. Like movements in a well orchestrated symphony, the set flowed from one groove to the next. Leah’s pure, sweet, melodic vocals soared over a perfect blend of instruments as she performed each song, leaving the audience wanting more.

Summary: A worthy effort with a wide appeal, Janeen Leah’s music is ready for the marketplace. Building her sound upon that of Joplin, Etheridge and Slick, Leah could carry the torch for a new generation for female singers. Especially so among those leading ladies who are not afraid to return to the roots of rock and plant their own seed of music for future generations to enjoy.

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